Swiss SA Formation
The Swiss SA (Société Anonyme) is Switzerland’s corporate structure for those who want shareholder privacy, a prestigious legal form and maximum flexibility. Known as AG in German-speaking cantons and SAG in Italian-speaking cantons — it is the same entity, widely used for holdings, investment structures, family offices and international businesses of all sizes.
From our Geneva base, SGCS handles the complete formation — from articles of association and notarisation to resident director, domiciliation and bank account opening.
At a glance: Swiss SA
| Legal form | SA (FR) / AG (DE) / SAG (IT) |
| Minimum capital | CHF 100,000 (min. CHF 50,000 paid up) |
| Foreign ownership | 100% permitted |
| Shareholders public | No — shareholder register is private |
| Resident director | Mandatory — provided by SGCS |
| Domiciliation | Included — Geneva or canton of your choice |
| Setup timeline | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Bank account | Introduced from our Geneva network |
| Our base | Geneva, Switzerland — 20+ years experience |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish |
Why choose a Swiss SA?
Shareholder privacy. Unlike the Sàrl where members are listed publicly in the commercial register, SA shareholders are not disclosed. The shareholder register is maintained privately by the company. For investors, family offices and international structures where confidentiality matters, the SA is the natural choice.
CHF 100,000 capital — deployable from day one. Minimum CHF 50,000 must be paid up at incorporation — the remainder within two years. Capital is released after registration and available for business operations immediately.
100% foreign ownership. No Swiss partner or shareholder required. Residents and non-residents can own and control their company entirely.
Flexible share structure. The SA allows bearer shares (under Swiss law conditions), multiple share classes and complex ownership structures — ideal for group structures, joint ventures and fundraising.
Swiss credibility at the highest level. The SA is the structure of Swiss banks, multinationals and major corporations. For premium positioning, holding structures and international investment vehicles, it carries unmatched weight.
Transfer of shares without notarisation. Unlike the Sàrl where share transfers require a notarised act, SA shares transfer privately — simpler and more discreet.
SA vs Sàrl: which is right for you?
| Criterion | SA / AG | Sàrl / GmbH |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | CHF 100,000 | CHF 20,000 |
| Shareholders public | No | Yes |
| Share transfer | Private | Notarised |
| Share classes | Multiple possible | Limited |
| Ideal for | Holdings, investors, fundraising, privacy | Consultants, SMEs, individual founders |
Not sure which structure fits your situation? We confirm the right form before any commitment.
The resident director requirement
Under art. 718 CO (Swiss Code of Obligations), at least one director with signatory authority must be domiciled in Switzerland. This applies to both the SA and the Sàrl.
SGCS provides a qualified resident director from our Geneva office — registered at the commercial register, representing your company before Swiss authorities, banks and the tax administration.
Bank account — started in parallel
Swiss banks conduct full KYC on all beneficial owners before approving any application. From our Geneva base, we prepare your complete banking file and introduce your SA to a bank suited to your profile — started in parallel with incorporation so your company is registered and banking at the same time.
What SGCS provides — the complete SA package
Swiss SA incorporation. Articles of association, notarisation, commercial register filing with the Registre du Commerce— all cantons covered.
Resident director. Provided from our Geneva office — legal requirement satisfied from day one.
Domiciliation. A real registered office address in your chosen canton.
Bank account opening. Complete banking file prepared and introduced to the right Swiss institution.
Accounting and compliance. Annual accounts, tax filings, commercial register updates — ongoing compliance managed from Geneva.
Three languages. English, French and Spanish.
Comparison: Swiss SA vs other structures
| Criterion | Swiss SA | Swiss Sàrl | Irish LTD | UK LTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate tax | 11–15% | 11–15% | 12.5% | 19–25% |
| Shareholder privacy | Yes | No | No | No |
| Minimum capital | CHF 100,000 | CHF 20,000 | €1 | £1 |
| Share transfer | Private | Notarised | Private | Private |
| Best for | Holdings, privacy, investors | SMEs, consultants | EU market | Global credibility |
FAQ
Can a non-resident own a Swiss SA?
Yes — 100% foreign ownership permitted. The resident director requirement applies to the company, not the owner.
What is the difference between SA, AG and SAG?
Same legal entity — SA in French-speaking cantons, AG in German-speaking cantons, SAG in Italian-speaking cantons.
Are SA shareholders public?
No. Unlike the Sàrl, SA shareholders are not listed in the commercial register. The shareholder register is maintained privately by the company.
Can I form a Swiss SA without travelling to Switzerland?
Yes. Formation is completed remotely through a power of attorney. No travel required.
How long does Swiss SA formation take?
2 to 4 weeks from document preparation to commercial register inscription.
What is the minimum capital for a Swiss SA?
CHF 100,000 total — minimum CHF 50,000 must be paid up at incorporation. The remainder can be contributed within two years.
Ready to form your Swiss SA?
Send us two lines about your project. We confirm the right canton, structure and timeline — before any commitment.